Dietary supplements for improving kidney function

ABSTRACT

Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to improve kidney functions (e.g., restoring urine secretion and/or lowering blood urea nitrogen, serum proteinuria, and/or serum creatinine levels) in a subject as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compositions that can improve kidney functionand are useful as dietary supplements (e.g., health drinks). Thesecompositions contain yeast cells obtainable by growth in electromagneticfields with specific frequencies and field strengths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Renal failure is a disease state in which renal functions are damagedseverely such that internal environment of the living body can no longerbe maintained in normal conditions. In particular, acute renal failureinvolves a sudden loss of the kidneys'ability to excrete wastes,concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes. Causes of acute renalfailure include acute tubular necrosis (ATN), myoglobinuria (myoglobinin the urine), infections such as acute pyelonephritis or septicemia,urinary tract obstruction such as a narrowing of the urinary tract(stricture), tumor, kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, enlarged prostatewith subsequent acute bilateral obstructive uropath, severe acutenephritic syndrome, disorders of the blood, malignant hypertension, andautoimmune disorders such as scleroderma. Other causes such as poisonsand trauma, for example a direct and forceful blow to the kidneys, canalso lead to renal failure.

Chronic renal failure is a gradual loss of kidney functions and usuallyoccurs over a number of years as the internal structures of the kidneyare slowly destroyed. Causative diseases include glomerulonephritis ofany type, polycystic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension,Alport syndrome, reflux nephropathy, obstructive uropathy, kidney stonesand infection, and analgesic nephropathy. Chronic renal failure resultsin the accumulation of fluid and waste products in the body, causingazotemia and uremia.

Therapeutic agents for acute renal failure include loop diuretics andosmotic diuretics, which are used in expectation of recovery of renalfunctions by increasing the flow in kidney tubules so as to wash awaycasts formed in the tubules and thereby prevent obstruction of thetubules. Agents for chronic renal failure include imidazoleangiotensin-II (AII) receptor antagonists and anipamil. However,depending on the manner of use, these agents present the risk ofinviting hearing disorders and the even more severe adverse side effectsof heart failure and pulmonary edema.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is based on the discovery that certain yeast cells can beactivated by electromagnetic fields having specific frequencies andfield strengths to produce substances useful in improving kidney health(i.e., functions). Compositions comprising these activated yeast cellscan be used as dietary supplements, in the form of health drinks ordietary pills (tablets or powder). For instance, these compositions canbe used to improve kidney functions in a subject (e.g., a human subject)as indicated by restored urine secretion and/or lowered blood ureanitrogen, serum proteinuria, and/or serum creatinine levels.

This invention embraces a composition comprising a plurality of yeastcells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having afrequency in the range of about 9700 to 9850 MHz (e.g., 9750-9800 MHz)and a field strength in the range of about 150 to 510 mV/cm (e.g.,210-250, 280-320, 310-325, 320-350, 350-380, 380-405, 380-420, or420-450 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured for a period of timesufficient to activate said plurality of yeast cells to treat kidneydiseases in a subject. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the fieldstrength of the alternating electric field can be altered within theaforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, theyeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. Anexemplary period of time is about 30-200 hours (e.g., 35-100 hours).

Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a pluralityof yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in analternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9700to 9850 MHz (e.g., 9750-9820 MHz) and a field strength in the range ofabout 300 to 500 mV/cm (e.g., 380-420 mV/cm). In one embodiment, theyeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. Anexemplary period of time is about 50-100 hours (e.g., 61-84 hours).

Yeast cells that can be included in this composition are available fromthe China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center (“CGMCC”), adepository recognized under the Budapest Treaty (China Committee forCulture Collection of Microorganisms, Institute of Microbiology, ChineseAcademy of Sciences, Haidian, P.O. Box 2714, Beijing, 100080, China).Useful yeast species include, but are not limited to, those commonlyused in food and pharmaceutical industries, such as Saccharomycescerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii,Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces sp.,Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Rhodotorula aurantiaca. For instance, theyeast cells can be of the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.16,AS2.501, AS2.502, AS2.503, AS2.504, AS2.535, AS2.558, AS2.560, AS2.561,or AS2.562. Other useful yeast strains are illustrated in Table 1.

This invention further embraces a composition comprising a plurality ofyeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been activatedto treat kidney diseases in a subject. Included in this invention arealso methods of making these compositions.

As used herein, “kidney diseases” include, but are not limited to, acuteand chronic renal failure, acute and chronic nephritis, uremia, andanuria. A subject includes a human and veterinary subject.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Exemplary methods and materialsare described below, although methods and materials similar orequivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice ortesting of the present invention. All publications and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Incase of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, willcontrol. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only andnot intended to be limiting. Throughout this specification and claims,the word “comprise,” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or groupof integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group ofintegers.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary apparatus foractivating yeast cells using electromagnetic fields. 1: yeast culture;2: container; 3: power supply.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for makingyeast compositions of the invention. The apparatus comprises a signalgenerator and interconnected containers 1, 2 and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is based on the discovery that certain yeast strains canbe activated by electromagnetic fields (“EMF”) having specificfrequencies and field strengths to become highly efficient in producingsubstances that restore urine secretion and/or lower blood ureanitrogen, serum proteinuria and/or creatinine levels in a subject.Compositions containing these activated yeast cells are thus useful intreating kidney diseases. Yeast compositions containing activated yeastcells can be used as dietary supplements, in the form of health drinksor dietary pills (tablets or powder).

Since the activated yeast cells contained in the yeast compositions havebeen cultured to endure acidic conditions (pH 2.5-4.2), these cells cansurvive the gastric environment and pass on to the intestines. Once inthe intestines, the yeast cells are ruptured by various digestiveenzymes, and the active substances in treatment of kidney diseases arereleased and readily absorbed.

Without being bound by any theory or mechanism, the inventor believesthat EMFs activate or enhance the expression of a gene or a set of genesin yeast cells such that the yeast cells become active or more efficientin performing certain metabolic activities which lead to the desiredeffect.

I. Yeast Strains Useful in the Invention

The types of yeasts useful in this invention include, but are notlimited to, yeasts of the genera Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomycespombe, and Rhodotorula.

Exemplary species within the above-listed genera include, but are notlimited to, those illustrated in Table 1. Yeast strains useful for thisinvention can be obtained from laboratory cultures, or from publicallyaccessible culture depositories, such as CGMCC and the American TypeCulture Collection, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va.20110-2209. Non-limiting examples of useful strains (with accessionnumbers of CGMCC) are Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.16, AS2.501,AS2.502, AS2.503, AS2.504, AS2.535, AS2.558, AS2.560, AS2.561, andAS2.562. Other useful yeast strains are illustrated in Table 1.

Although it is preferred, the preparation of the yeast compositions ofthis invention is not limited to starting with a pure strain of yeast. Ayeast composition of the invention may be produced by culturing amixture of yeast cells of different species or strains. The ability ofany activated species or strain of yeasts to treat kidney diseases canbe readily tested by methods known in the art. See, for instance,Examples 1 and 2.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Yeast Strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen ACCC2034ACCC2035 ACCC2036 ACCC2037 ACCC2038 ACCC2039 ACCC2040 ACCC2041 ACCC2042AS2.1 AS2.4 AS2.11 AS2.14 AS2.16 AS2.56 AS2.69 AS2.70 AS2.93 AS2.98AS2.101 AS2.109 AS2.110 AS2.112 AS2.139 AS2.173 AS2.174 AS2.182 AS2.196AS2.242 AS2.336 AS2.346 AS2.369 AS2.374 AS2.375 AS2.379 AS2.380 AS2.382AS2.390 AS2.393 AS2.395 AS2.396 AS2.397 AS2.398 AS2.399 AS2.400 AS2.406AS2.408 AS2.409 AS2.413 AS2.414 AS2.415 AS2.416 AS2.422 AS2.423 AS2.430AS2.431 AS2.432 AS2.451 AS2.452 AS2.453 AS2.458 AS2.460 AS2.463 AS2.467AS2.486 AS2.501 AS2.502 AS2.503 AS2.504 AS2.516 AS2.535 AS2.536 AS2.558AS2.560 AS2.561 AS2.562 AS2.576 AS2.593 AS2.594 AS2.614 AS2.620 AS2.628AS2.631 AS2.666 AS2.982 AS2.1190 AS2.1364 AS2.1396 IFFI1001 IFFI1002IFFI1005 IFFI1006 IFFI1008 IFFI1009 IFFI1010 IFFI1012 IFFI1021 IFFI1027IFFI1037 IFFI1042 IFFI1043 IFFI1045 IFFI1048 IFFI1049 IFFI1050 IFFI1052IFFI1059 IFFI1060 IFFI1062 IFFI1063 IFFI1202 IFFI1203 IFFI1206 IFFI1209IFFI1210 IFFI1211 IFFI1212 IFFI1213 IFFI1214 IFFI1215 IFFI1220 IFFI1221IFFI1224 IFFI1247 IFFI1248 IFFI1251 IFFI1270 IFFI1277 IFFI1287 IFFI1289IFFI1290 IFFI1291 IFFI1292 IFFI1293 IFFI1297 IFFI1300 IFFI1301 IFFI1302IFFI1307 IFFI1308 IFFI1309 IFFI1310 IFFI1311 IFFI1331 IFFI1335 IFFI1336IFFI1337 IFFI1338 IFFI1339 IFFI1340 IFFI1345 IFFI1348 IFFI1396 IFFI1397IFFI1399 IFFI1411 IFFI1413 IFFI1441 IFFI1443 Saccharomyces cerevisiaeHansen Var. ellipsoideus (Hansen) Dekker ACCC2043 AS2.2 AS2.3 AS2.8AS2.53 AS2.163 AS2.168 AS2.483 AS2.541 AS2.559 AS2.606 AS2.607 AS2.611AS2.612 Saccharomyces chevalieri Guilliermond AS2.131 AS2.213Saccharomyces delbrueckii AS2.285 Saccharomyces delbrueckii Lindner ver.mongolicus (Saito) Lodder et van Rij AS2.209 AS2.1157 Saccharomycesexiguous Hansen AS2.349 AS2.1158 Saccharomyces fermentati (Saito) Lodderet van Rij AS2.286 AS2.343 Saccharomyces logos van laer et Denamur exJorgensen AS2.156 AS2.327 AS2.335 Saccharomyces mellis (Fabian etQuinet) Lodder et kreger van Rij AS2.195 Saccharomyces mellisMicroellipsoides Osterwalder AS2.699 Saccharomyces oviformis OsteralderAS2.100 Saccharomyces rosei (Guilliermond) Lodder et Kreger van RijAS2.287 Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.178 AS2.180 AS2.370 AS2.371Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045 Candida arborea AS2.566 Candida lambica(Lindner et Genoud) van. Uden et Buckley AS2.1182 Candida krusei(Castellani) Berkhout AS2.1045 Candida lipolytica (Harrison) Diddens etLodder AS2.1207 AS2.1216 AS2.1220 AS2.1379 AS2.1398 AS2.1399 AS2.1400Candida parapsilosis (Ashford) Langeron et Talice Var. intermedia VanRij et Verona AS2.491 Candida parapsilosis (Ashford) Langeron et TaliceAS2.590 Candida pulcherrima (Lindner) Windisch AS2.492 Candida rugousa(Anderson) Diddens et Lodder AS2.511 AS2.1367 AS2.1369 AS2.1372 AS2.1373AS2.1377 AS2.1378 AS2.1384 Candida tropicalis (Castellani) BerkhoutACCC2004 ACCC2005 ACCC2006 AS2.164 AS2.402 AS2.564 AS2.565 AS2.567AS2.568 AS2.617 AS2.637 AS2.1387 AS2.1397 Candida utilis HennebergLodder et Kreger Van Rij AS2.120 AS2.281 AS2.1180 Crebrothecium ashbyii(Guillermond) Routein (Eremothecium ashbyii Guilliermond) AS2.481AS2.482 AS2.1197 Geotrichum candidum Link ACCC2016 AS2.361 AS2.498AS2.616 AS2.1035 AS2.1062 AS2.1080 AS2.1132 AS2.1175 AS2.1183 Hansenulaanomala (Hansen) H et P sydow ACCC2018 AS2.294 AS2.295 AS2.296 AS2.297AS2.298 AS2.299 AS2.300 AS2.302 AS2.338 AS2.339 AS2.340 AS2.341 AS2.470AS2.592 AS2.641 AS2.642 AS2.782 AS2.635 AS2.794 Hansenula arabitolgensFang AS2.887 Hansenula jadinii (A. et R Sartory Weill et Meyer)Wickerham ACCC2019 Hansenula saturnus (Klocker) H et P sydow ACCC2020Hansenula schneggii (Weber) Dekker AS2.304 Hansenula subpelliculosaBedford AS2.740 AS2.760 AS2.761 AS2.770 AS2.783 AS2.790 AS2.798 AS2.866Kloeckera apiculata (Reess emend. Klocker) Janke ACCC2022 ACCC2023AS2.197 AS2.496 AS2.714 ACCC2021 AS2.711 Lipomycess starkeyi Lodder etvan Rij AS2.1390 ACCC2024 Pichia farinosa (Lindner) Hansen ACCC2025ACCC2026 AS2.86 AS2.87 AS2.705 AS2.803 Pichia membranaefaciens HansenACCC2027 AS2.89 AS2.661 AS2.1039 Rhodosporidium toruloides BannoACCC2028 Rhodotorula glutinis (Fresenius) Harrison AS2.2029 AS2.280ACCC2030 AS2.102 AS2.107 AS2.278 AS2.499 AS2.694 AS2.703 AS2.704AS2.1146 Rhodotorula minuta (Saito) Harrison AS2.277 Rhodotorula rubar(Demme) Lodder AS2.21 AS2.22 AS2.103 AS2.105 AS2.108 AS2.140 AS2.166AS2.167 AS2.272 AS2.279 AS2.282 ACCC2031 Rhodotorula aurantiaca (Saito)Lodder AS2.102 AS2.107 AS2.278 AS2.499 AS2.694 AS2.703 AS2.704 AS2.1146Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.113 ACCC2032 ACCC2033 AS2.312AS2.116 AS2.118 AS2.121 AS2.132 AS2.162 AS2.189 AS2.200 AS2.216 AS2.265AS2.377 AS2.417 AS2.420 AS2.440 AS2.441 AS2.443 AS2.444 AS2.459 AS2.595AS2.605 AS2.638 AS2.742 AS2.745 AS2.748 AS2.1042 Saccharomyces uvarumBeijer IFFI1023 IFFI1032 IFFI1036 IFFI1044 IFFI1072 IFFI1205 IFFI1207Saccharomyces willianus Saccardo AS2.5 AS2.7 AS2.119 AS2.152 AS2.293AS2.381 AS2.392 AS2.434 AS2.614 AS2.1189 Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311Saccharomycodes ludwigii Hansen ACCC2044 AS2.243 AS2.508 Saccharomycodessinenses Yue AS2.1395 Schizosaccharomyces octosporus Beijerinck ACCC2046AS2.1148 Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner ACCC2047 ACCC2048 AS2.214AS2.248 AS2.249 AS2.255 AS2.257 AS2.259 AS2.260 AS2.274 AS2.994 AS2.1043AS2.1149 AS2.1178 IFFI1056 Sporobolomyces roseus Kluyver et van NielACCC2049 ACCC2050 AS2.19 AS2.962 AS2.1036 ACCC2051 AS2.261 AS2.262Torulopsis candida (Saito) Lodder AS2.270 ACCC2052 Torulopsis famta(Harrison) Lodder et van Rij ACCC2053 AS2.685 Torulopsis globosa (Olsonet Hammer) Lodder et van Rij ACCC2054 AS2.202 Torulopsis inconspicuaLodder et Kreger van Rij AS2.75 Trichosporon behrendii Lodder et Kregervan Rij ACCC2056 AS2.1193 Trichosporon capitatum Diddens et LodderACCC2056 AS2.1385 Trichosporon cutaneum (de Beurm et al.) Ota ACCC2057AS2.25 AS2.570 AS2.571 AS2.1374 Wickerhamia fluorescens (Soneda) SonedaACCC2058 AS2.1388

II. Application of Electromagnetic Fields

An electromagnetic field useful in this invention can be generated andapplied by various means well known in the art. For instance, the EMFcan be generated by applying an alternating electric field or anoscillating magnetic field.

Alternating electric fields can be applied to cell cultures throughelectrodes in direct contact with the culture medium, or throughelectromagnetic induction. See, e.g., FIG. 1. Relatively high electricfields in the medium can be generated using a method in which theelectrodes are in contact with the medium. Care must be taken to preventelectrolysis at the electrodes from introducing undesired ions into theculture and to prevent contact resistance, bubbles, or other features ofelectrolysis from dropping the field level below that intended.Electrodes should be matched to their environment, for example, usingAg—AgCl electrodes in solutions rich in chloride ions, and run at as lowa voltage as possible. For general review, see Goodman et al., Effectsof EMF on Molecules and Cells, International Review of Cytology, ASurvey of Cell Biology, Vol. 158, Academic Press, 1995.

The EMFs useful in this invention can also be generated by applying anoscillating magnetic field. An oscillating magnetic field can begenerated by oscillating electric currents going through Helmholtzcoils. Such a magnetic field in turn induces an electric field.

The frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 9700to 9850 MHz (e.g., 9750-9800 MHz). Exemplary frequencies are 9768, 9774,9781, 9787, and 9793 MHz. The field strength of the electric fielduseful in this invention ranges from about 150 to 510 mV/cm (e.g.,210-250, 280-320, 310-325, 320-350, 350-380, 380-405, 380-420, or420-450 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths are 212, 223, 310, 316, 320,332, 364, 383, 390, 406, and 435 mV/cm.

When a series of EMFs are applied to a yeast culture, the yeast culturecan remain in the same container while the same set of EMF generator andemitters is used to change the frequency and/or field strength. The EMFsin the series can each have a different frequency or a different fieldstrength; or a different frequency and a different field strength. Suchfrequencies and field strengths are preferably within theabove-described ranges. Although any practical number of EMFs can beused in a series, it may be preferred that the yeast culture be exposedto a total of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 EMFs in a series.

Although the yeast cells can be activated after even a few hours ofculturing in the presence of an EMF, it may be preferred that theactivated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence ofthe EMF(s) for a total of 30-200 hours (e.g., 35-100 hours).

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for generating alternatingelectric fields. An electric field of a desired frequency and intensityis generated by an AC source (3) capable of generating an alternatingelectric field, preferably in a sinusoidal wave form, in the frequencyrange of 10 to 20,000 MHz. Signal generators capable of generatingsignals with a narrower frequency range can also be used. If desirable,a signal amplifier can also be used to increase the output. Theactivation container (2) can be made from non-conductive metal material,for example, plastics, glass steel, ceramic, and combinations thereof.The wire connecting the activation container (2) and the signalgenerator (3) is preferably a high frequency coaxial cable with atransmission frequency of at least 30 GHz.

The alternating electric field can be applied to the culture by avariety of means, including placing the yeast culture (1) in closeproximity to the signal emitters such as a metal wire or tube capable oftransmitting EMFs. The metal wire or tube can be made of red copper, andbe placed inside the container (2), reaching as deep as 3-30 cm. Forexample, if the fluid in the container (2) has a depth of 15-20 cm,20-30 cm, 30-50 cm, 50-70 cm, 70-100 cm, 100-150 cm or 150-200 cm, themetal wire can be 3-5 cm, 5-7 cm, 7-10 cm, 10-15 cm, 15-20 cm, 20-30 cmand 25-30 cm from the bottom of the container (2), respectively. Thenumber of electrode wires used depends on the volume of the culture aswell as the diameter of the wires. The number of metal wires/tubes usedcan be from 1 to 10 (e.g., 2 to 3). It is recommended, though notmandated, that for a culture having a volume up to 10 L, metalwires/tubes having a diameter of 0.5 to 2.0 mm be used.

For a culture having a volume between 10 L and 100 L, metal wires/tubeshaving a diameter of 3.0 to 5.0 mm can be used. For a culture having avolume in the range of 100-1000 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameterof 6.0 to 15.0 mm can be used. For a culture having a volume greaterthan 1000 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 20.0 to 25.0 mm canbe used.

In one embodiment, the electric field is applied by electrodes submergedin the culture (1). In this embodiment, one of the electrodes can be ametal plate placed on the bottom of the container (2), and the otherelectrode can comprise a plurality of electrode wires evenly distributedin the culture (1) so as to achieve even distribution of the electricfield energy. The number of electrode wires used depends on the volumeof the culture as well as the diameter of the wires.

III. Culture Media

Culture media useful in this invention contain sources of nutrientsassimilable by yeast cells. Complex carbon-containing substances in asuitable form, such as carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose, glucose, fructose,dextrose, maltose, xylose, cellulose, starches, etc.) and coal, can bethe carbon sources for yeast cells. The exact quantity of the carbonsources utilized in the medium can be adjusted in accordance with theother ingredients of the medium. In general, the amount of carbohydratesvaries between about 0.1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferablybetween about 0.1% and 5% (e.g., about 2%). These carbon sources can beused individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances insuitable form (e.g., beef extract and peptone) can also be addedindividually or in combination. In general, the amount of amino acidcontaining substances varies between about 0.1% and 0.5% by weight ofthe medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.3% (e.g., about0.25%). Among the inorganic salts which can be added to the culturemedium are the customary salts capable of yielding sodium, potassium,calcium, phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, and like ions. Non-limitingexamples of nutrient inorganic salts are (NH₄)₂HPO₄, KH₂PO₄, K₂HPO₄,CaCO₃, MgSO₄, NaCl, and CaSO₄.

IV. Electromagnetic Activation of Yeast Cells

To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce substancesbeneficial for kidney health/functions (e.g., restoring urine secretionand/or lowering of blood urea nitrogen, serum proteinuria and/orcreatinine levels), yeast cells of this invention can be activated bybeing cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20°C.-38° C., preferably at 28-32° C. (e.g., 30° C.) for a sufficientamount of time, e.g., 30-200 hours (e.g., 35-100 hours), in analternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields asdescribed above.

An exemplary culture medium is made by mixing 1000 ml of distilled waterwith 20 g of sucrose, 30 μg of vitamin B₃, 60 μg of vitamin H, 30 μg ofvitamin B₁₂, 0.20 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.2 g of MgSO₄.7H₂O, 0.25 g of NaCl, 0.1g of CaSO₄.2H₂O, 3.0 g of CaCO₃.5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone.

An exemplary set-up of the culturing process is depicted in FIG. 1.Untreated yeast cells are added to a culture medium at 1×10⁸ cells per1000 ml of the culture medium. The yeast cells may be Saccharomycescerevisiae Hansen AS2.16, or may be selected from any of the strainslisted in Table 1. An exemplary activation process of the yeast cellsinvolves the following sequence: the yeast cells are grown in theculture medium for 38-42 hours (e.g., 40 hours) at 28-32° C. and thenexposed to (1) an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9768MHz and a field strength in the range of 310-325 mV/cm (e.g., 320 mV/cm)for 10-22 hours (e.g., 10 hours); (2) then to an alternating electricfield having a frequency of 9774 MHz and a field strength in the rangeof 280-320 mV/cm (e.g., 316 mV/cm) for 16-22 hours (e.g., 20 hours); (3)then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9781 MHz anda field strength in the range of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., 364 mV/cm) for20-25 hours (e.g., 23 hours); (4) then to an alternating electric fieldhaving a frequency of 9787 MHz and a field strength in the range of420-450 mV/cm (e.g., 435 mV/cm) for 16-22 hours (e.g., 21 hours); and(5) finally to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9793MHz and a field strength in the range of 380-405 mV/cm (e.g., 390 mV/cm)for 11-22 hours (e.g., 11 hours). The activated yeast cells are thenrecovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art,dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at about 4° C. in powderform. The resultant yeast powder preferably contains more than 10¹⁰cells/g.

Subsequently, the activated yeast cells can be measured for theirability to treat kidney diseases (e.g., improve kidney functions) usingstandard methods known in the art, such as those described in SectionVII.

V. Acclimatization of Yeast Cells to the Gastric Environment

Because the activated yeast cells of this invention must pass throughthe stomach before reaching the small intestine, where the effectivecomponents are released from these yeast cells, it is preferred thatthese yeasts be cultured under acidic conditions so as to acclimatizethe cells to the gastric juice. This acclimatization process results inbetter viability of the yeast cells in the acidic gastric environment.

To achieve this, the yeast powder containing activated yeast cells canbe mixed with a highly acidic acclimatizing culture medium at 10 g(containing more than 10¹⁰ activated cells per gram) per 1000 ml. Theyeast mixture can then be cultured first in the presence of analternating electric field having a frequency of 9787 MHz and a fieldstrength in the range of 380-420 mV/cm (e.g., 406 mV/cm) at about 28 to32° C. for 36-42 hours (e.g., 38 hours). The resultant yeast cells canthen be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electricfield having a frequency of 9793 MHz and a field strength in the rangeof 380-420 mV/cm (e.g., 390 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32° C. for 25-42 hours(e.g., 25 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are thenrecovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the artand are either dried and stored in powder form (≧10¹⁰ cells/g) at roomtemperature or stored in vacuum at 0-4° C.

An exemplary acclimatizing culture medium is made by mixing 700 ml freshpig gastric juice and 300 ml wild Chinese hawthorn extract. The pH ofacclimatizing culture medium is adjusted to 2.5 with 0.1 M hydrochloricacid (HCl) and 0.2 M potassium biphthalate (C₆H₄(COOK)COOH). The freshpig gastric juice is prepared as follows. At about 4 months of age,newborn Holland white pigs are sacrificed, and the entire contents oftheir stomachs are retrieved and mixed with 2000 ml of water understerile conditions. The mixture is then allowed to stand for 6 hours at4° C. under sterile conditions to precipitate food debris. Thesupernatant is collected for use in the acclimatizing culture medium. Toprepare the wild Chinese hawthorn extract, 500 g of fresh wild Chinesehawthorn is dried under sterile conditions to reduce water content(≦8%). The dried fruit is then ground (≧20 mesh) and added to 1500 ml ofsterile water. The hawthorn slurry is allowed to stand for 6 hours at 4°C. under sterile conditions. The hawthorn supernatant is collected to beused in the acclimatizing culture medium.

VI. Manufacture of Yeast Compositions

To prepare the yeast compositions of the invention, an apparatusdepicted in FIG. 2 or an equivalent thereof can be used. This apparatusincludes three containers, a first container (1), a second container(2), and a third container (3), each equipped with a pair of electrodes(4). One of the electrodes is a metal plate placed on the bottom of thecontainers, and the other electrode comprises a plurality of electrodewires evenly distributed in the space within the container to achieveeven distribution of the electric field energy. All three pairs ofelectrodes are connected to a common signal generator.

The culture medium used for this purpose is a mixed fruit extractsolution containing the following ingredients per 1000 L:300 L of wildChinese hawthorn extract, 300 L of jujube extract, 300 L of Schisandrachinensis (Turez) Baill seeds extract, and 100 L of soy bean extract. Toprepare hawthorn, jujube and Schisandra chinensis (Turez) Baill seedsextracts, the fresh fruits are washed and dried under sterile conditionsto reduce the water content to no higher than 8%. One hundred kilogramsof the dried fruits are then ground (≧20 mesh) and added to 400 L ofsterile water. The mixtures are stirred under sterile conditions at roomtemperature for twelve hours, and then centrifuged at 1000 rpm to removeinsoluble residues. To make the soy bean extract, fresh soy beans arewashed and dried under sterile conditions to reduce the water content tono higher than 8%. Thirty kilograms of dried soy beans are then groundinto particles of no smaller than 20 mesh, and added to 130 L of sterilewater. The mixture is stirred under sterile conditions at roomtemperature for twelve hours and centrifuged at 1000 rpm to removeinsoluble residues. Once the mixed fruit extract solution is prepared,it is autoclaved at 121° C. for 30 minutes and cooled to below 40° C.before use.

One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as describedabove (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extractsolution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container(1) shown in FIG. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presenceof an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9787 MHz and afield strength of about 420-450 mV/cm (e.g., 435 mV/cm) at 28-32° C.under sterile conditions for 12 hours. The yeast cells are furtherincubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9793MHz and a field strength of 380-400 mV/cm (e.g., 383 mV/cm). Theculturing continues for another 11 hours at 28-32° C.

The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (1) tothe second container (2) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture canbe started in the now available the first container (1)), and subjectedto an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9787 MHz and afield strength of 320-350 mV/cm (e.g., 332 mV/cm) for 14 hours at 28-32°C. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric fieldare changed to 9793 MHz and 300-320 mV/cm (e.g., 310 mV/cm),respectively. The culturing process continues for another 10 hours at28-32° C.

The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (2) tothe third container (3), and subjected to an alternating electric fieldhaving a frequency of 9787 MHz and a field strength of 210-250 mV/cm(e.g., 223 mV/cm) for 18 hours. Subsequently the frequency and fieldstrength of the electric field are changed to 9793 MHz and 210-230 mV/cm(e.g., 212 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 15hours.

The yeast culture from the third container (3) can then be packaged intovacuum sealed bottles for use as dietary supplement. The compositionsmay conveniently be formulated as health drinks. If desired, the finalyeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powderform. The dietary supplement can be taken three to four times daily at30˜60 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably 10-30 minutesbefore meals and at bedtime.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also beadministered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterileinjectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared asfollows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated underultrasound (1000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 4355 g foranother 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm forintravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) understerile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a35-38° C. water bath for 30 minutes before use.

The yeast compositions of the present invention are derived from yeastsused in food and pharmaceutical industries. The yeast compositions arethus devoid of side effects associated with many conventionalpharmaceutical compounds.

VII. Examples

In order that this invention be more fully understood, the followingexamples are set forth. These examples are for the purpose ofillustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope ofthe invention in any way.

The activated yeast compositions used in the following examples wereprepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae HansenAS2.16 cells, cultured in the presence of an alternating electric fieldhaving the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified inthe parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV,supra. Control (i.e., untreated) yeast compositions were those preparedin the same manner as described in Section VI, supra, except that theyeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. All compositions ofinterest were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding,unless otherwise specified.

Example 1 Effects of Treatment on Acute Renal Failure

To test the ability of the EMF-treated AS2.16 cells to reverse acuterenal failure, twenty-four healthy domesticated rabbits (12 males and 12females, 14-16 months old, about 2 kg body weight) were randomly dividedinto three equal groups. Urine samples were collected from each rabbitdaily for three consecutive days. Each rabbit was subsequently injectedwith a freshly prepared solution of mercurius corrosivus (0.2%, 2 ml/kg)through the marginal vein of its ear to disrupt nephronal function.

On the day after the mercurius corrosivus injection, a composition ofinterest (3 ml/kg) was administered to each rabbit daily for fourconsecutive days. Rabbits in Group A were each given the activated yeastcomposition at a dose of 3 ml/kg body weight. Rabbits in Groups B and Cwere treated in the same manner, except that they were given the controlyeast composition and saline, respectively, in lieu of the activatedyeast composition. Urine samples were collected and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) levels in the blood stream were analyzed by flame photometry.These results were summarized in Tables 2 and 3.

TABLE 2 Effects of Treatment on Urine Secretion Urine (ml) Three DaysBefore the Three Days After the Mercurius Corrosivus MercuriusCorrosivus Group Injection Injection A 104.32 ± 26.73 98.79 ± 3.44 B103.71 ± 22.17  4.08 ± 0.04 C 102.35 ± 27.81 0

TABLE 3 Effects of Treatment on BUN levels BUN (mg/100 ml) Before theMercurius Corrosivus Injection After the Mercurius Corrosivus InjectionGroup Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 A 11.21 ± 1.58 16.58 ± 3.5616.04 ± 4.57 31.22 ± 11.23 24.52 ± 21.42 17.85 ± 14.47 B 12.95 ± 2.1217.12 ± 5.32 16.89 ± 7.05 54.54 ± 31.27 55.27 ± 24.25 82.56 ± 32.41 C13.05 ± 5.02 15.42 ± 8.85 14.21 ± 5.24 53.27 ± 27.12 54.48 ± 22.14 85.56± 32.14

On the day after the last administration, each rabbit was sacrificed andits chest and abdominal cavities were opened. The fluid retained in thecavities was collected and measured. The results were summarized inTable 4. Histological sections were prepared from both kidneys andobserved under a microscope. The observations were shown in Table 5.

TABLE 4 Fluid from Chest and Abdominal Cavities Ascites in Chest andGroup Abdominal Cavities (ml) Observations A 0 ± 0 no fluid retention;no unusual odor B 122.54 ± 33.45 excess fluid retention; odious C 123.24± 45.13 excess fluid retention; odious

TABLE 5 Cell Counts in Renal Histological Sections number of damagedcells in every 100 cells counted A B C Number of Dead Cortical Nephrons213 379 389 Number of Cortical Nephrons with 55 193 185 Damaged BasalMembrane Number of Medullary Nephrons with 21 162 142 Damaged BasalMembrane

The above results show that unlike the controls, the activatedcomposition restored urine secretion, decreased the BUN level after thefirst day of administration and mitigated the nephrotoxicity effect ofmercurius corrosivus (there was even new cell growth in basalmembranes).

Example 2 Effects of Treatment on Chronic Renal Failure

To test the ability of the EMF-treated AS2.16 cells to amelioratechronic renal failure, thirty healthy male Wistar rats (5-6 months old,about 150 to 200 g body weight) were selected and six were set aside ascontrols (Group D). The remaining twenty-four rats were randomly dividedinto three equal groups, Groups A, B and C. Under anesthesia amobarbital(2.5-3.0 ml/100 g body weight), each of those twenty-four rats was laidprone on an operating table and its posterior abdominal cavity wasopened under sterile conditions. The right kidney was exposed and twothirds of the cortical tissue (about 0.45-0.5 g) of the right kidney wasremoved. After bleeding was stopped, the muscular tissue was injectedwith penicillin to prevent infection. The wound opening was then closedby stitches. One week later, the abdominal cavity was re-opened by thesame method. The renal pedicel was ligated with a ligature and the leftkidney was removed. Urine samples were collected for twenty-four hours,during which the rat was given water but no food. The collected urinesamples were preserved with xylene and the proteinuria concentration inthe samples was determined. Blood samples were collected from the tailand the carotid artery at least eight hours after feeding with wateronly. BUN levels and serum creatinine readings in blood samples werealso determined.

Subsequently, a composition of interest (3 ml/kg body weight) wasadministered to each of the operated rats daily for the next ten weeks,starting from one week after the surgery. Rats in Group A were eachgiven the activated yeast composition at a dose of 3 ml/kg body weight.Rats in Groups B and C were treated in the same manner, except that theywere given the control yeast composition and tap water, respectively, inlieu of the activated yeast composition. Rats in Group D were treated inthe same manner as those in Group C, except that the former were notoperated on. Urine samples were collected for twenty-four hours and theproteinuria concentration was determined. BUN levels and serumcreatinine readings were also measured as described above. Each rat wassacrificed twenty-four hours after the last administration of thecomposition. The results were summarized in Tables 6 and 7.

TABLE 6 Urine Secretion of Male Wistar Rats. Urine (ml, 24 hours)Proteinuria (mg, 24 hours) Prior to After Prior to Administra-Administra- Administra- After Group tion tion tion Administration A 10.4± 1.7 23.6 ± 2.8 9.7 ± 3.4 5.6 ± 1.8 B 10.8 ± 1.8 12.6 ± 3.7 9.9 ± 3.811.2 ± 2.7  C 10.2 ± 2.4 14.5 ± 5.2 10.6 ± 2.3  19.2 ± 3.2  D  6.5 ± 2.1 9.6 ± 2.7 5.1 ± 1.9 6.2 ± 2.1

TABLE 7 Serum BUN and Creatinine Levels of Male Wistar Rats. BUN (mM)Serum Creatinine (mM) Prior to After After Administra- Administra- Priorto Administra- Group tion tion Administration tion A 16.7 ± 0.5 7.4 ±0.6 99.8 ± 22.1 42.3 ± 6.5 B 18.2 ± 2.3 17.5 ± 0.6  104.5 ± 3.7  102.4 ±2.4  C 18.6 ± 3.2 17.2 ± 2.3  102.5 ± 27   164.4 ± 22.3 D  7.8 ± 0.7 4.2± 0.3 25.2 ± 4.5  36.2 ± 10.5 

The above results show that the activated yeast composition increasedurine secretion, decreased proteinuria concentration, and lowered BUNand serum creatinine levels. In contrast, the control yeast compositiondemonstrate no such effects.

Additionally, rats given the activated yeast composition show nonoticeable changes in their dietary habit and body weight, demonstratingthat the composition has no adverse effects on the health of the rats.

While a number of embodiments of this invention have been set forth, itis apparent that the basic constructions may be altered to provide otherembodiments which utilize the compositions and methods of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising a plurality of yeastcells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by theirability to improve kidney functions in a subject, said ability resultingfrom their having been cultured in the presence of an alternatingelectric field having a frequency in the range of 9700 to 9850 MHz and afield strength in the range of 150 to 510 mV/cm, as compared to yeastcells not having been so cultured.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein said frequency is in the range of 9768 to 9793 MHz.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said field strength is in the range of210-250, 280-320, 310-325, 320-350, 350-380, 380-405, 380-420, or420-450 mV/cm.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein said yeast cellsare cells of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomycescarlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomycesuvarum, Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, or Rhodotorulaaurantiaca.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein said yeast cells arecells of the strain deposited at the China General MicrobiologicalCulture Collection Center with an accession number selected from thegroup consisting of AS2.16, AS2.501, AS2.502, AS2.503, AS2.504, AS2.535,AS2.558, AS2.560, AS2.561, and AS2.562.
 6. The composition of claim 1,wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a healthdrink.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein said composition is in theform of a health drink.
 8. A method of preparing a yeast composition,comprising culturing a plurality of yeast cells in the presence of analternating electric field having a frequency in the range of 9700 to9850 MHz and a field strength in the range of 150 to 510 mV/cm, whereinsaid composition is capable of improving kidney functions in a subject.9. A method for improving kidney functions in a subject comprisingorally administering to said subject a composition of claim 1.